The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 15 passengers by suspected sea pirates along the ClCalabar waterways, raising fresh concerns over safety on the route.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, involved a commercial boat travelling from Calabar to Oron.

Spokesperson of the command, Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement on Monday that security agencies have launched coordinated operations to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.

According to him, the police are working closely with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigerian Navy to ensure the safe return of those abducted.

He noted that tactical teams have already been deployed, with search-and-rescue efforts ongoing across the affected waterways.

The police confirmation comes amid earlier reports suggesting that more passengers may have been affected in the attack.

Some of those on board were believed to be students travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Security sources had indicated that armed men intercepted the boat mid-journey, forcing passengers into captivity before fleeing the scene.

While authorities have not confirmed the exact number beyond the 15 reported cases, the development has sparked anxiety among residents and travellers who rely on the Calabar-Oron water route.

The attack has once again drawn attention to persistent security gaps on inland waterways, especially during peak travel periods involving students and traders.

Stakeholders have called for increased patrols and stronger inter-agency collaboration to prevent further incidents, as efforts continue to locate and rescue the victims.